The number of newborns receiving specialized treatment at Msambweni County Referal Hospital has increased following the expansion of the hospital’s Newborn Unit (NBU), with the facility now handling up to 90 cases per month compared to 39 cases previously.
Hospital officials say the expanded unit, established through a partnership between the Kwale County Government and the M-Pesa Foundation, has increased the hospital’s capacity to care for babies born with complications requiring close monitoring and specialized treatment.
The current unit has a capacity of 55 babies, up from the previous facility that accommodated eight babies per day. Children admitted to the NBU stay for a maximum of two weeks depending on their condition.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani said the facility has helped improve monitoring and treatment of newborns requiring specialized care.
“We have opened a newborn unit that provides a safe place to monitor the health of newborn babies. After a mother gives birth, the baby can also be properly cared for and monitored,” said Achani.
The Governor said the county has also invested in maternal healthcare infrastructure at the hospital, including an intensive care unit, oxygen plant, blood storage facility and ultrasound services.
Chief Pediatrician Dr. Edith Mwasi said the previous setup exposed newborns to infections due to congestion.
“Before the opening of this children’s unit, there was only a small 13-bed pediatric unit and a kangaroo mother care room with space for only three babies. This exposed admitted children to a high risk of infections, which contributed to many deaths due to congestion of children suffering from different health conditions,” said Mwasi.
She said the expanded unit has improved the hospital’s ability to manage newborn complications and reduced the pressure previously experienced in pediatric wards.
Health official Betty Wambugu said maternal deaths linked to excessive bleeding during childbirth have reduced due to improved emergency response services and access to blood supplies.
“There used to be many deaths resulting from mothers bleeding excessively during childbirth, but when we look at the current statistics, the number of deaths has gone down,” said Wambugu.
Residents who have benefited from the services also shared their experiences at the facility.
Najma Mohammed, whose baby was admitted to the unit after birth complications, said the child received specialized care after being transferred to the hospital.
“When I gave birth, my baby was weak, had swallowed fluid, and was also having difficulty breathing. An ambulance had to be called so that I could be transferred to Msambweni Hospital because that is where the specialized services were available,” she said.
The county government has also upgraded Mkongani, Kinango, Samburu, Kwale and Lunga Lunga hospitals to Level Four as part of efforts to expand access to healthcare services across the county.
By Chari Suche
